Job satisfaction key to attracting and retaining quality staff

Attracting and retaining staff is a key focus for architecture and design firms all over the world as they compete for the best talent in an ever candidate-short market.  But how satisfied are those working in the sector and what really matters to them.

In conducting the first survey of its kind globally, we decided to find out how A&D professionals are really feeling and what matters most to them across four key areas: job satisfaction, work/life balance, pay & benefits and moving jobs.

The report is based on the survey responses of 564 professionals working across the A&D industry, specifically architecture (including BIM, landscape & urban design), interior design, architectural & interior products, business support and graphics.

Key findings include:

• 52% of respondents feel valued in their current role and 62% were happy with their decision to work in their chosen career path, however,only 39% were satisfied with their career development prospects in their current role;
• 80% of respondents work late / at weekends more than once a quarter, with 33% of those doing so more than once a week and only 55% of those surveyed took all of their annual leave allowance last year;
• Not surprisingly, overall satisfaction levels with work/life balance are not that high, with only 42% of those surveyed satisfied or very satisfied;
• Interestingly, more women (54%) than men (50%) received a salary review in the last 12 months and a massive 64% of women received a salary increase, compared to only 51% of men. Surprisingly, women also seem to be more comfortable with asking their employer for a pay rise;
• However, 47% of global respondents are dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their overall salary package and only 39% feel their current salary package is fair for the work they do;
• A large percentage (45%) of global respondents are planning on moving jobs in the next 12-18 months. When asked about the main reason for wanting to move jobs, salary (35%) and lack of career progression (24%) were the main reasons given.  Pay increase (17%), career progression prospects (16%) and work/life balance (17%) are the three most important factors to respondents when looking for a new job. 

You can view the full Job Satisfaction Survey here.